DIEP Surgery in Seattle

Wishing you the best Greeniguana!  You have a great attitude going in....that helps!

Can't wait to hear from you when you have your two new girls!

 NIC

Hi girls!:  I'm back and it was do-able. I found the uncomfortable hospital bed to be the most discomforting issue of the whole ordeal. Lying in one position for hrs was not pleasant and had migraines because of this. Belly discomfort/Breast discomfort a 4 at its peak on pain scale of 1-10. By about the 3rd day, getting up a lot, sitting up and eating small meals. Each day was better. Drove home 4 hrs with spouse and only issues since (2 days) were just being sore. Just want ladies to know, its a lot scarier than it actually is. Just get yourself in good shape; situps/pushups/lose any over the top weight and go for it. Also, pick a great surgeon. Dr. Neligan at U of Wash wonderful. I will spend more time a little later compiling list of suggestions regarding procedure to help educate those of you out there with upcoming procedure.

PS Have your family member/friend watch over your shoulder while you are out of it, watching to make sure people wash hands etc., question anything that doesn't make sense. It really does help when you don't have to be in total control and can focus on healing only.

Hi girls!!

 Had my post op with the PS and everything was a-ok. Did develop a large blister on the flap prior to diuresing (when body dumps the excess fluids put in during surgery). They left it intact and it has since popped and is healing without complications. PS states we'll meet first of Dec and if he thinks the tissue is ready, onto stage II. Couldn't have had better care. I give U of Wash. PS high ratings; totally impressed with their program and care. I must say I feel so fortunate to have gone from boob to boob and did not have to experience the loss. Regardless of my situation, the procedure is very dooable so don't let the hours under anesthesia deter you from getting this done. If your insurance covers this, go for it. Key is getting yourself in the best shape you can. Remember 99% of healing is all in your head. GO GIRLS, stand up for yourself and your body!

My first diaganoses was in 2007 on the left side, underwent chemo and radation.  Then found out in July of 2009 that I had DCIS on the right, so in August I had a bi lateral mastectomy.  I will be starting the reconstuction process November 2.  My plastic surgeon is David Stephens, his office is in Bellevue.  Now that you've made the decision to do reconstruction you shouldn't have to wait that long.

Good luck

Sonja

JSeda,

Glad to hear that you found the care at UWMC so good.  I'm scheduled for a unilateral mastectomy/SNB/immediate DIEP by Dr. Said on November 19.  I'm still a month away and feel my anxiety building. Nothing has gone well with this since I was diagnosed in June. The Path reports from 2 lumpectomies showed no microinvasion despite large amounts (11-12 centimeters) of high grade DCIS, but I will confess to obsessing about possible nodal involvement.  It's also on the same side as my dominant arm.  My other arm is not real useful for anything requiring dexterity or small motor control, so I know I will be handicapped as I recover. 

I'm also very worried about being dependent on others despite the fact that my husband is incredibly supportive.  I've always been the one that everyone leans on.  I don't know how to be dependent on others.

This morning I told him that he had better put me in restraints and strap me to a wheelchair to deliver me to surgery on 11/19 or I will probably run for the hills.  I think I view walking into the building as surrendering not only my breast, but my sense of self and my freedom.  I'm sure I've gone from stable and grounded prediagnosis to totally nuts now, but maintain that I am entitled!   

Anyone with DIEP surgery performed in the SF Bay Area?  Stanford, Pennisula?

I had my US in May for my Sept surgery.  Dr. Paige had the little grid mapping all the veins the morning of surgery, and used those to mark my stomach with a sharpie. 

I'm doing pretty well, took the dog for a walk & went to the grocery today.  Still a little stiff trying to find that "just right" sleeping position, still get frustrated with the limited ability to pick stuff up, reach stuff on the top shelves, etc, but getting there.  Not on any more prescription meds, just a couple over-the-counter tylenol maybe once a day.

I didn't go to any meetings - My younger sister had Stage 2 less than 5 years ago, and Dr. Paige was her surgeon, so she gave me all kinds of info; she told me the worst part of it was the drains, and I have to say that once you get rid of those and can shower & sleep better, things seem to get better at a faster rate since you feel more "normal."

So, at 4 weeks out, the belly scar gives occasional twinges, but really, it's not so bad.  The main problem with the breasts is that the tissue plus a bit of the scar extends to kind of under the armpit, and it's a little stiff, but it is relaxing more as time goes on.

 Dawn, the nurse at Dr. Paige's was really great about answering any questions; she was the one who took out the drains, and they're great if you call to ask them anything (like getting a flu shot, which I did this week). 

Hi golfer,

Did you go to the Polyclinic meeting? If so, do tell how it went. I live in Oly and have been considering going and would like to hear from someone else about recon info in the Seattle area. 

Annie 

Congrats Golfer: I'm been following your posts for sometime now and I can see that you have transformed and are now making a decision that works for you. Good girl. You did the right thing. Only through educating oneself are we empowered. You've been on the fence for sometime, asking good questions and here you are going forward. I'm proud of you. Just remember, you aren't the first women to have gone through this. There are so many others out there ahead of us that went through the same thing and came out on the other side a better and more whole being. I'm now 2 months out DIEP Lft side and I have no regrets. There is something about waking up and having a breast post mastectomy and one that is 100% part of your body.

Good Luck. Just get yourself in the best shape that you can and you'll do fine!

Congratulations TOB!!! You did it and it feels so good being on the other side. Now you just need to take it easy and let your body use those calories healing itself. I'm 2 1/2 months post DIEP and feeling wonderful. Swelling, incisions etc have healed well thus far. Its that time thing that we all have to go through but you will find that each day brings you closer and closer to being done. I've put off my second phase (nipple recon/revision) until spring when the pass is once again totally clear. Besides, still had too much swelling to complete in Dec.

The abdominal pain pump is awesome (they use marcaine-local anesthetic) and as you said, highly recommend this as abdominal pain is pretty much non-existent with this.

Take care of yourself and do check in every now and then. Highly recommend getting back to your normal routine, which takes your mind off your aches/pains and helps time to go by faster.